Reindeer herding by indigenous communities across the Arctic faces new welfare challenges from climate change, land fragmentation, and changing migration routes.
Reindeer welfare in Arctic herding systems is increasingly challenged by climate-driven changes to their environment. Rain-on-snow events — where rainfall freezes on top of snowpack — prevent reindeer from accessing the lichen and vegetation beneath, causing starvation. Emergency supplementary feeding is sometimes used but is logistically and economically challenging at scale. The cultural and ecological dimensions of Sami reindeer herding make simple welfare assessments difficult — the human-animal relationship is complex and the traditional system has deep cultural significance. Supporting climate action is the most fundamental welfare intervention.